QL 689 
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Field Museum of Natural History. 

Y 

Publication 210 



Zoological Series. 



Vol. XII, No. 3 



GAME BIRDS 

FROM 

NORTHWESTERN VENEZUELA 



BY 



Wilfred H. Osgood and Boardman Conover 



Wilfred H. Osgood 
Curator, Department of Zoology 





Chicago, U. S. A. 

August 28, 1922. 



FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY. 



ZOOLOGY, VOL. XII. PL. 




Odontophorus guianensis marmoratus Gould. {Upper figure .) 
Odontophorus guianensis guianensis Gmelin. {Middle figure). 
Odontophorus guianensis canescens Osgood and Conover. {Lower figure) 



Field Museum of Natural History. 



Publication 210 



Zoological Series. 



Vol. XII, No. 3 



GAME BIRDS 

FROM 

NORTHWESTERN VENEZUELA 



BY 



Wilfred H. Osgood and Boardman Conover 



Wilfred H. Osgood 
Curator, Department of Zoology 




Chicago, U. S. A. 

August 28, 1922. 



GAME BIRDS FROM NORTHWESTERN VENEZUELA 



BY WILFRED H. OSGOOD AND BOARDMAN CONOVER 



In the spring of 1920, the authors made a somewhat hurried trip to 
northwestern Venezuela making general collections of birds and mam- 
mals. Particular attention was given to game birds, especially by the 
junior author, and, although the collection is not a large one, it has 
seemed desirable to make report upon it. The groups included as game 
birds are the ducks, rails, shorebirds, gallinaceous birds, tinamous and 
pigeons. Specimens collected in 1910 by the senior author also have been 
listed, as well as certain others from the same region all contained in 
the collections of the Field Museum of Natural History. 

Landing at Maracaibo on Feb. 8, we had one day's collecting near 
Altagracia, on the east side of the lake and nearly opposite the city 
of Maracaibo, and then proceeded south along the lake shore about 60 
miles to a point called Iguana. Thence we went inland for about 40 
miles directly west to the foot of the Sierra Peri j a. In this region we 
collected from two bases, the first at the camp of the Caribbean Oil Co. 
called La Luna and the second some eight or ten miles farther south 
at the point where the Rio Cogollo emerges from the mountains. Re- 
turning to Maracaibo, we then went by steamer to La Ceiba at the south 
end of the lake, whence a short railroad took us to Motatan and an 
automobile stage to Valera. After a few days collecting in the vicinity 
of Valera, three long days with saddle and pack mules brought us to 
Merida. From this base excursions were made to several localities in 
the surrounding mountains, following which return to Lake Maracaibo 
was made over a trail leading through Ejido, Jaji, and La Azulita to 
Santa Elena on the lower Rio Guachi which was descended with canoes 
to the mouth, where a small sailboat was secured for the return to 
Maracaibo. Later, a few days were spent at the village of Lagunillas 
on the east side of the lake some 50 miles from the city of Maracaibo. 

The climatic and physical features of the region surrounding Lake 
Maracaibo are of extreme interest and it would be difficult to find a 
locality where so many varying conditions can be encountered in such 
close juxtaposition. Deserts, savannas, semi-arid forests, heavy humid 
forests, littoral swamps and estuaries, subtropical forests, temperate 
forests, and cold, treeless paramos all are accessible within a radius of 
one hundred miles. Intelligent study of the distribution and relation- 
ships of the animal life of this complicated region is practically im- 

19 



20 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. xii. 

possible without a knowledge of physical conditions. Hence, although 
the subjoined list is limited to a small part of the avifauna, it seems 
necessary to devote some space to a brief description of the principal 
physiographic features of the region. 

The country around the north end of Lake Maracaibo from the 
Caribbean shores on both sides of the Gulf of Venezuela south nearly 
to the head of the lake, west to the base of the Sierra Peri j a and east- 
ward indefinitely is in an arid division of the Tropical Zone continuous 
with and probably to a large extent identical in character with what 
Chapman has called the Caribbean Fauna. It consists of three well- 
defined subdivisions which may be called arid, semi-arid, and savanna. 
The arid subdivision extends from the Caribbean coast south on both 
sides of the lake to points about 40 miles south of the city of Maracaibo. 
Within it the soil is sandy and the growth is principally divi divi, cactus, 
and light scrub. In general it resembles rather closely the conditions 
found on the island of Curacao. The semi-arid subdivision occupies 
both sides of the lake to the southward and is somewhat transitional 
in character between the arid subdivision and the humid tropical which 
is characteristic of the south end of the lake. It consists of light open 
forest of fairly large trees in which the lofty Ceiba takes a conspicu- 
ous place. Some twenty miles back from the lake shore it is replaced 
by the savanna subdivision but reappears again along the base and on 
the lower slopes of the Sierra Perija. The savanna subdivision, eight 
to fifteen miles in width, roughly parallels the lake shore and the Sierra. 
On the east side of the lake similar savanna occupies the higher ground 
back from the lake and extends south to the vicinity of Mendoza, south- 
east of La Ceiba. 

The southwest corner of the lake and the whole southern end is 
humid tropical. A broad flat plain, traversed by numerous rivers and 
containing many cienegas and large lagoons, extends back from the 
lake to the base of the mountains. This is heavily forested except 
about certain estuaries where there are extensive open swamps of 
Heliconias, rushes, and grasses. In many parts of this area the trees 
are of immense size and the general growth reaches a luxuriance 
seldom, if ever, exceeded. Such growth was observed along the Rio 
Catatumbo, Rio Zulia, and Rio Guachi and doubtless is characteristic 
of the whole region. With some modification it reaches upward along 
watercourses far into the canyons of the mountains. Along those 
rivers which descend directly from the mountains it continues upward 
to meet the temperate forest. In other cases, where larger rivers have 
broken through or passed around the main mountain wall, the humid 



Aug. 1922. Game Birds — Osgood & Conover. 21 

character of the forest changes to semi-arid or arid, and isolated pock- 
ets of this character of considerable extent may thus occur. Such 
pockets were noted especially along the Rio Chama below Merida and 
along tba Rio Motatan between Valera and Timotes; another occurs 
in the j icinity of San Jose de Cucuta, Colombia. The mountains rise 
abrupay from the alluvial plain, especially to the eastward of the mouth 
of the Rio Chama, and reach such heights that they support an exten- 
sive paramo fauna and very large areas of temperate zone forest. 
From a "knot" between the sources of the Rio Chama and the Rio 
Motatan they extend in three principal chains : ( 1 ) La Culata, or 
northern Sierra, which lies northeast of the city of Merida and paral- 
lels the upper Rio Chama; (2) the Sierra Nevada, or southern Sierra, 
which has a corresponding position on the south of Merida and ex- 
tends westward and south west ward to the vicinity of the 72nd Merid- 
ian, somewhat to the eastward of the town of San Cristobal; (3) 
the Cordillera of Trujillo, or northeastern Sierra, which lies south and 
east of the upper Rio Motatan and reaches nearly to the 70th Meridian. 
These mountain chains maintain a minimum elevation of 9000-10000 
ft., and individual peaks reach a height of nearly or quite 15000 ft. 
They break down to some extent in the vicinity of San Cristobal and, 
although the exact conditions have not been worked out, it seems prob- 
able that between the western sources of the Rio Uribante and the 
eastern tributaries of the Rio Zulia opportunity is afforded for the 
passage of the subtropical fauna of the East Andean and Orinocan 
regions to the Maracaibo basin, thus completely isolating the Merida 
temperate zone from that of the Paramo de Tama and Bogota. 

Following are the localities from which specimens are recorded :* 

Altagracia, February 10, 1920. Eastern shore of Lake Maracaibo 
nearly opposite the city of Maracaibo in the arid region of cactus and 
divi divi. Sea level. 

Rio Aurare, January 17-24, ipio. About twelve miles southeast 
of Altagracia, in the arid region, but adjacent to various swamps, 
cienegas, and "manglars." Sea level. 

La Azulita, April 21-29, 1920. A village on the west side of the 
Rio Guachi in the foothills overlooking the plain at the south end of 
Lake Maracaibo. Some of the surrounding country is cleared for the 
production of sugar and coffee, but most of it is heavily forested. Con- 
ditions are humid tropical or subtropical. Elevation 3500 ft. 

*For more detailed descriptions of localities of collections made in 1910, see Osgood, 
Field Mus. Nat. Hist. Pubs., Zool., X, pp. 36-38, 1912. 



22 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. XII. 

La Ceiba, March 18, 1908. A port near the southeastern corner of 
Lake Maracaibo. The humid tropical forest of the south end of the 
lake shows signs of attenuation here and evidently does not continue 
much farther north. Small collections were made here by Dr. N. 
Dearborn. Sea level. 

Rio Chama, April 4-7, 1920. Specimens labeled Rio Chama are 
from Hacienda Santa Catalina near the south bank of the Chama and 
about 10 miles southwest of the city of Merida. Conditions are sub- 
tropical with open forest alternating with cleared fields and coffee 
plantations. Elevation 4500 ft. 

Rio Cogollo, February 13-March 1, 1920. The Rio Cogollo is the 
northernmost tributary of the Rio Apon which rises in the Sierra 
Peri j a and flows into Lake Maracaibo, some 60 miles south of Mara- 
caibo. Collecting was done from two camps, one on the river just 
below the point where it issues through narrow canyons from the moun- 
tains and the other some 10 miles north at the abandoned oil camp 
known as La Luna. Light semi-arid tropical forest characterizes the 
region and open grassy savanna occurs within 10 miles. Elevation 
350 ^. 

Empalado Savanna, April 6-14, 1910. Near the source of the Rio 
Aurare some 30 miles east of Maracaibo. A region of light scattered 
forest and open grassy savannas. 

Encontrados, February 10-27, U908. A small town at the head of 
steam navigation on the Rio Catatumbo in the humid tropical plain 
southwest of Lake Maracaibo. Specimens noted from this locality 
were collected by N. Dearborn and M. P. Anderson. 

Rio Guacki, May 1-3, 1920. The Rio Guachi rises on the northern 
slopes of the northern Sierra and flows slightly west of north and 
empties into the southern end of Lake Maracaibo some 12 miles east of 
the mouth of the Rio Chama. Collections were made at the mouth 
of the river and at a station called Santa Elena at the head of canoe 
navigation some 20 miles above the mouth. Both localities are in the 
alluvial plain characterized by heavy humid tropical forest. 

El Guayabal, March 12-17, I 9 I o. A station about 10 miles north 
of San Jose de Cucuta, Colombia. Conditions are semi-arid and tropi- 
cal. Elevation 1000 ft. 

Lagunillas, Zulia, May 8-10, 1920. A village on the eastern shore 
of Lake Maracaibo about midway of its length. Behind the village 



Aug. 1922. Game Birds — Osgood & Conover. 23 

is a very extensive shallow lagoon or cienega filled with water plants 
and bordered by rushes and mangroves. The surrounding country is 
arid or semi-arid. Sea level. 

Lagunillas, Merida. A village on the Rio Chama about 20 miles 
west of Merida. A small lagoon nearby furnishes a habitat for water 
birds. Conditions are arid and tropical. Specimens from this locality 
have been sent to various museums by Bricefio Gabaldon and Sons. 
Elevation 3200 ft. 

Merida. The city of Merida is situated on a mesa between the 
Rio Chama and one of its smaller tributaries, the Rio Albaregas. In 
the river valleys conditions are tropical or subtropical, but mountains 
rise abruptly on either side and temperate forests are accessible within 
a few hours travel. Elevation 4960 ft. 

Rio Mucujon, March 20-29, 1920. A small stream rising in the 
Culata or northern Sierra and emptying into the Rio Chama just 
above the city of Merida. Collections were made principally in a tem- 
perate zone forest at about 9000 ft. altitude on the side of the Paramo 
San Antonio. Excursions upward were made to an elevation of 
12300 ft. 

Or ope, March 1*13, 1908. A station near the Rio Zulia about 35 
miles south of Encontrados. It is in the heart of the humid tropical 
forest where its conditions are developed to the highest degree. Visited 
by Dr. Dearborn in 1908. 

Paramo de Tama, February 10-March 6, 19 10. A mountain mass at 
the head of the Tachira River on the boundary between Colombia and 
Venezuela. It supports a magnificent temperate zone forest, but al- 
though the summit of the principal peak is without timber, a paramo 
fauna finds but precarious foothold. Collections are mostly from an 
altitude of about 8000 ft. 

Paramo Tambor, April 14-19, 1920. A mountain near the western 
end of the Culata or northern Sierra. It lies nearly west of Merida 
and just northwest of the village of Jaji. Collections are from its 
northeastern slopes near the headwaters of a western branch of the 
Rio Guachi at a hacienda known as La Carbonera. Temperate forest 
and open cleared meadows prevail. Altitude 7000 ft. 

Colon, Tachira, November 6-24, 191 3. A village, more fully called 
San Juan de Colon, in the subtropical region overlooking the Mara- 
caibo plain. Altitude 2300 ft. Collections were made here by M. P. 
Anderson in 19 13. 



24 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. XII. 

Sierra Nevada de Merida, April 8-10, 1920. The Sierra Nevada 
was visited at a point southeast of Merida on the side of a very steep 
mountain slope near the head of a small southern tributary of the Rio 
Chama, known as the Rio Fria. Heavy temperate zone forest pre- 
vails. Altitude 7500 ft. 

Tinamus tao septentrionalis Brabourne & Chubb. 
La Azulita, 1. 

The bird taken is a male and much smaller than a female from 
Maracay, Aragua, Venezuela in the Field Museum. The male speci- 
men measures, wing, 255 ; tarsus, 74.5 ; against wing, 285 ; tarsus, 83 
mm., for the female, and is more olivaceous on the back. The male, 
taken April 29th, had enlarged gonads. 

This tinamou was abundant in the heavy woods near La Azulita, 
as indicated by the calls heard, but it was very hard to secure. The 
natives said it could be called up, but the only time we saw this tried, 
the birds would not approach closely enough to be seen, although they 
kept answering. It feeds on the ground and, when certain trees are 
bearing, gathers in large numbers in favorable places. Natives state also 
that it lays from four to six eggs in hollows on the ground. It roosts 
in trees at night. A piece of broken egg shell seen by the authors 
was very nearly robin's egg blue. According to our own experience 
with the bird it appears to favor brushy places in the woods when not 
out feeding. In escaping it prefers to use its legs as is the case with 
most of the tinamous, and is very adept at sneaking quietly away 
through the woods. 

Local name, Gallineta. 

Tinamus major zuliensis subsp. nov. 

Type from Rio Cogollo, District of Peri j a, State of Zulia, Venezuela. 
Elevation 350 ft. Adult male, in Field Museum of Natural History 
(Conover Collection). Collected Feb. 21, 1920 by W. H. Osgood 
and Boardman Conover. Orig. No. 3485. 

Characters. Adult male: Similar to T. m. ruficeps but upperparts 
paler, more olivaceous ; upperparts and inner wing quills with fewer 
and narrower dark bars. Occipital crest small; forehead and crown 
mahogany red indistinctly barred with black; upperparts brownish 
olive irregularly barred with black on the middle and lower back. 
Upper wing coverts light brownish olive, barred with narrow and in- 
complete black bars ; primaries blackish brown ; secondaries lighter, 



Aug. 1922. Game Birds — Osgood & Conover. 25 

with the greater part of the outer web Prout's brown finely mottled 
with blackish ; irregular small buffy spots on outer edges of secondaries 
and upper wing icoverts. Upper tail coverts brownish olive, tipped 
with buff and narrowly barred with black. Throat white; sides of 
head and neck all around buff, each feather with a fine black tip. 
Underparts mostly grayish olive lightly vermiculated with dusky ; flanks 
barred with blackish ; under tail coverts barred ochraceous buff and 
grayish brown. Wing, 237 ; culmen, 32 ; tarsus, 63 ; middle toe with 
claw, 38.5. 

This form differs from T. m. ruficeps, as represented by a specimen 
from La Murelia, Caqueta, Colombia, loaned by Dr. Chapman, in the 
general olivaceous rather than rufescent coloration of the upperparts, 
in the practically unbarred condition of the secondaries, the much 
narrower bars of the back, rump, and wing coverts, and in the paler 
facial and nuchal regions. In the reduced barring of the upperparts, 
it seems closer to typical major of Guiana than it does to ruficeps. In 
major, however, there is even less barring, the coloration is distinctly 
rufescent, and the forehead is blackish. 

A specimen from Cacagualito, Santa Marta, Colombia (No. 71457 
Am. Mus. Nat. Hist.) agrees closely with the type of zuliensis, merely 
being somewhat lighter and less vermiculated on the underparts. Hence 
it is probable that the new form occupies the semi-arid districts of 
eastern Colombia and western Venezuela in the region from which so 
many other subspecific forms have been recognized. 

This tinamou was abundant in the forest at the base of the Sierra 
Peri j a near the Rio Cogollo. It seemed to be much wilder than the 
other species of this district, being much more apt to flush, although 
generaly trusting to its legs. When it did fly it left the ground with 
a roar of wings like a ruffed grouse, going at breakneck speed in a 
straight line through the woods. 

Crypturornis* cerviniventris Sclater & Salvin. 

La Azulita, 1. * 

As only one specimen of this species, and that an imperfect one 
(Sclat. & Salv. P.Z.S., 1873, P- 5 I2 » Lake Valencia, Venezuela), is 
known, it seems best to give below a description of our bird, which 
appears referable to it. 

Adult male : Very similar to C. obsoletus, but much darker and 
smaller. Feathers of the head and neck with dissociated barbules 
producing a hairy or powdery effect. Color of the head and neck 

*Oberholser, Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash., Vol. 35, p. 74, Mch. 20, 1922. 



26 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. XII. 

mouse gray, becoming dark mouse gray on the hind neck; a slight 
buffy tinge to the edges of some of the feathers of the crown. Upper- 
parts and lower fore neck chestnut brown with traces of vermicula- 
tions; upper breast chestnut brown, shading into vinaceous buff on 
the lower abdomen ; feathers of the flanks and abdomen with dusky 
brown bars, the tips vinaceous buff; under tail coverts heavily barred 
with dusky brown, the tips vinaceous buffy. Primaries hair brown, 
the outer edges of the outer webs showing a brownish tinge ; secondaries 
hair brown with outer webs and tips broadly margined with chestnut 
brown. Wing, 143 ; culmen, 23 ; tarsus, 40 ; middle toe with nail, 36. 
This tinamou was seen only at La Azulita where a male bird was 
flushed from a nest on April 21st. The nest was simply a hollow 
between the roots of a small tree in the deep woods, and contained 
three fresh eggs, of a deep pink color. Unfortunately through a mis- 
hap these eggs were lost. 

Many times in the next week the whistling call of this bird was 
heard, so it is probably fairly common, but very hard to secure because 
of its secretive habits. The only other species of tinamou inhabiting 
this district was Tinamus tao septentrionalis, which was also very diffi- 
cult to secure, although its call was heard every day. 

Local name, Suida. 

Crypturornis soui subsp. ? 
Rio Cogollo, 1. 
A tinamou of the soui series in immature plumage with pale tips 
to the upper wing and tail coverts was taken on the Rio Cogollo Feb. 
23rd. Several others were seen on the same day, but at no other time. 
These birds were found in a mass of brush and vines which they re- 
fused to leave. They seemed more inclined to flush than the larger 
species, but would pitch again into the brush after a few yards. It 
was almost impossible to secure them without damaging the specimen 
badly. 

Crypturornis noctivagus spencei Chubb. 

Rio Cogollo, 3. 

These specimens are provisionally referred to C. n. spencei (Bull. 
Brit. Orn. Club, Vol. 38, p. 29, 191 7) although no material has been 
available from the vicinity of Caracas, the type locality of that form. 
In comparison with C. n. noctivagus of Brazil, C. n. dissimilis of 
Guiana, and C. n. cinnamomeus of Central America, they are much 
paler in general coloration, the breast being buffy instead of tawny 



Aug. 1922. Game Birds — Osgood & Conover. 27 

and the forehead being only slightly darker than the crown. The 
throat is white, the lower foreneck gray washed with buff, the upper 
breast and sides wood brown to buffy brown, becoming ochraceous 
buff in middle of breast, and the middle of the abdomen is whitish. 
The mantle is cinnamon brown to Mars brown with slight traces of 
darker vermiculations posteriorly; the lower back is cinnamon brown 
lightly barred with dusky and the upper tail coverts are broadly and 
distinctly barred with blackish brown and light ochraceous buff. 

In allocating this form as a subspecies of C. noctivagus some assump- 
tion is necessary, for the available material leaves much to be desired. 
C. noctivagus is represented in the Field Museum by a specimen from 
Macaco Secco, near Andarahy, Bahia, Brazil ; C. n. dissinvilis is rep- 
resented by two adults from Corentyne River, British Guiana; C. n. 
cinnamomeus by four from Chinandega, Nicaragua ; and C. n. goldmani 
by three from Yucatan. These forms, as thus represented, are closely 
related and differ from each other only by such characters as usually 
prove to be subspecific. Moreover, it is indubitable that practical con- 
tinuity of range exists. Between assumptions, therefore, we prefer 
that which is supported by the larger element of probablity and the one 
that tends to clarify rather than obscure relationships in a group as 
yet imperfectly understood. Other forms, perhaps belonging to the 
same series, but of which we have seen no specimens, are C. strigulosus 
and C. erythropus. The latter may prove to be closer to spencei than 
either dissimilis or cinnamomeus, but the original description indicates 
that the barring on the wing coverts is much less developed and the 
colored plate given by Salvadori (Cat. Birds, Brit. Mus., XXVII, pi. 
X, 1895), if at all reliable, indicates that erythropus is a bird much 
darker and more richly colored than the one here referred to spencei. 

This tinamou was fairly common in the forest near the Rio Cogollo. 
Here the foliage was quite thin near the ground and it was possible to 
watch the tactics employed by individual birds in sneaking out of range. 
They did not run or flush, even when encountered within a few yards, 
but stood watching the intruder for a moment and then ducked their 
heads under the nearest vine and, keeping as near a crouching position 
as possible, glided away on a zigzag course until out of sight. A 
female shot Feb. 21, contained a fully developed egg which was 
preserved. Its color is light pinkish. 

Odontophorus guianensis canescens subsp. nov. 

Type from Rio Cogollo, District of Peri j a, State of Zulia, Vene- 



_-S nziz Mv5Z"ii of Xatv?_\l H:st:7.v — Z::i>:-v. Vol. XII. 

zuela. Elevation 350 ft. Adult male in Field Museum of Natural 
History (Conover Collection). Collected Feb. 25, 1920 by W. H. 
Osgood and Boardman Conover. Orig. No. 3494. 

Characters. Adult Male : Similar to O. g. marmoratus, but mantle 
paler and more grayish; ear coverts and sides of neck more rusty 
underparts more heavily mottled with black and buffy, the markings 
taking the form of broadly sagittate spots rather than irregular bars* 
forehead, chin, and sides of throat paler, the last definitely flecked 
with white. Similar to 0. g. guianensis, but having chestnut ear cover: S 
instead of buffy ochraceous and differing also in the paler throat and 
mantle. Hind neck and interscapular region gray finely barred and 
mottled with black; forehead, crown, and crest brownish chestnut, 
the feathers of the forehead with whitish buff centers; sides of head 
rufescent, the ear coverts dark chestnut; lower back and rump light 
clay color becoming slightly darker on upper tail coverts, numerous 
feathers with ochraceous tips and prominent subapical, sagittate black 
spots; barring on outer webs of primaries light whitish buff; edges 
of inner webs of scapulars ochraceous buff; chin dirty white; throat 
light gray, each feather with a broad whitish bar near the tip giving 
a white-dotted appearance which extends to the maxillary region; 
lower f oreneck gray mottled with dusky ; rest of underparts light chest- 
nut with generally distributed sagittate, black and buff spots. 

Remarks. This bird is distinguished from both O. g. marmoratus 
and O. g. guianensis by the gray hind neck and mantle, the white spot- 
ting on the throat, and the extensive mottling of the underparts. By 
the dark color of its ear coverts it seems to show closer affinity to 
marmoratus than to guianensis, but in other respects it differs more 
from either of these forms than they do from each other. A male 
specimen from Puerto Valdivia, Colombia, kindly loaned by Dr. F. M. 
Chapman, has been regarded as representative of marmoratus. 

The type of this new form was the only specimen of its kind 
taken. It was found in company with its mate, or another bird of the 
same species, squatting in thick brush and was shot at close range but 
fortunately was recovered in excellent condition. According to native 
reports, the species is not common. 

Native names, Perdis Colorado, Gallito. 

Crax daubentoni Gray. 
Rio Cogollo. 1. 
The only specimen preserved is a female which differs from descrip- 



Aug. 1922. Game Birds — Osgood & Conover. 29 

tions in having the crest feathers white except for a black tip and 
narrow black base. 

In the Rio Cogollo region this species was very plentiful, a num- 
ber being killed, and many more seen. They spend the greater part 
of their time on the ground, and seem to prefer to trust to their legs 
rather than their wings in escaping. If come upon suddenly they will 
flush into trees, where by quiet approach a shot can generally be 
obtained. The male birds appear to be solitary and much wilder than 
the hens, which were seen in flocks of from three to six. According 
to the natives they lay two eggs and build their nests in tall trees. 

At an isolated water hole near Lagunillas, a male and two females 
of this species were watched as they came to drink. They approached 
with extreme caution, stopping frequently, craning their necks, and 
Icoking about alertly. The male, especially, had a very stately appear- 
ance and at a distance of a hundred yards, as seen through a light 
network of slender vines and scraggly bushes, was a very conspicuous 
object. On arriving at the bank of the pool, first one bird and then 
another would essay a few feet down the open bank and then suddenly 
turn and rush back to the cover. Finally when one had become bold 
enough to proceed entirely to the waters' edge, the others joined it 
and all remained there drinking and walking about for some ten 
minutes. 

Local name, PaujiL 

Pauxi pauxi Linnaeus. 

La Azulita, 1. 

Found only at La Azulita, where a male was secured. Here also 
a native brought in two tame birds, which he claimed to have raised 
from chicks. 

These curassows appear to prefer the steep sides of forested 
mountains in country which the natives call "muy pendiente." Al- 
though hard to obtain, they were abundant in certain localities, their 
characteristic call being heard whenever we travelled far into the woods. 
This call was a deep moaning "Oom, Oom", which carried great dis- 
tances. Several times on hearing the call an attempt was made to 
obtain a shot only to find after travelling some distance that the birds 
were still far down the mountainside. From the edge of a steep can- 
yon one morning this moaning call was heard coming up from near the 
bottom more than five hundred feet below. A short distance below 
the crest a single bird was luckily encountered feeding in a little side 



30 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. XII. 

ravine near the top of the canyon. It first made itself known by start- 
ing a scolding cackle very similar to that of the common guinea fowl. 
On being approached, it flew up into a low tree, where it sat scolding 
and presenting an easy mark. 

According to native hunters, these curassows lay two eggs, build- 
ing their nests in clumps of hanging vines or low trees. 
Local name, Paujil. 

Penelope montagni Bonaparte. 

Rio Mucujon, 3 ; Paramo de Tama, 2. 
This temperate zone species is found in both Colombia and Vene- 
zuela, two specimens from the Paramo de Tama being identical with 
the three from the Rio Mucujon. It was seen only at the Rio Mucujon, 
where we found it at eight to ten thousand feet elevation. However, 
on the other side of the Chama Valley in the Sierra Nevada at an 
elevation of about 7500 feet, its call was heard several times. 

These guans do not appear to wander much during the day, but 
stay near certain favorite feeding places. The native hunters know 
these localities, and on arriving at them imitate the whistling call of 
the bird. If any are in the neighborhood they will immediately answer. 
If one remained quiet the birds' curiosity would generally get the 
better of them and a shot would be obtained. Sometimes when ap- 
proached they would become suspicious and change their call to a 
sharp scolding. 

The flesh of this bird was generally excellent, although not always 
so. Probably, as in all birds of this class, their food at the time has 
a great deal to do with the matter. 

Local name, Pava. 

Penelope cristata Linnaeus. 

Rio Cogollo, 1 ; Rio Guachi, 1. 

We refer to this species two specimens from the tropical zone 
around Lake Maracaibo. Only one specimen of P. cristata, and that 
from Costa Rica, was available for comparison, but our birds do not 
seem to differ from it in any great respect. 

This species was abundant in the vicinity of the Rio Cogollo and 
also at the mouth of the Rio Guachi, although the former is in a 
relatively arid region and the latter in a very humid one. They are 
noisy birds, uttering their scolding cry when alarmed or excited, but 



Aug. 1922. Game Birds — Osgood & Conover. 31 

are rather shy of a close approach, which may be because of their 
being much hunted. 

Local name, Pava paujil or Pava. 



Penelope argyrotis Bonaparte. 
La Azulita, 3. 

Found only at La Azulita where it appeared to be abundant. These 
guans were found in pairs in late April, probably just starting to mate. 
They are noisy birds as are all guans. On hearing or catching a 
glimpse of anything strange, they would begin their noisy, scolding 
chatter. These birds were very hard to make out sitting in the trees, 
but generally after a short time exposed themselves by moving slightly 
or perhaps flying to the next tree. 

Local name, Pava. 

Ortalis ruficrissa baliolus subsp. nov. 

Type from Orope, State of Zulia, Venezuela. No. 34399 Field 
Museum of Natural History. Adult male. Collected March 12, 1908, 
by Ned Dearborn. Orig. No. 600. 

Characters. Adult male: Similar to O. r. ruficrissa of Colombia, 
but* larger and with general coloration darker and much more ruf escent, 
especially on the underparts from the lower breast to the crissum. 
Compared with a specimen of O.r. ruficrissa from Dibulla, Sta. Marta, 
Colombia, kindly loaned by Mr. W. E. C. Todd, of Pittsburgh, the 
crown of the head is darker gray, the lower breast, belly, flanks and 
thighs darker olive, with a heavy wash of rufous, and the crissum and 
under tail coverts are much darker rufous chestnut. Wing, 220; tail, 
263 ; exposed culmen, 2.J ; tarsus, 71.5 ; middle toe with nail, 66. 

Another adult male from Orope corresponds with the type, while 
a male specimen from the Rio Cogollo, which appears to be an imma- 
ture bird, might be said to be intermediate between 0. r. ruficrissa, and 
O. r. baliolus, except that in size it is much smaller than either, its 
wing measuring only 196. It is possible that mature birds from that 
region would not differ from the Orope ones. The new form is charac- 
terized principally by its heavily rufescent abdomen and surrounding 
parts. Its habitat is in a heavy humid forest, whereas typical ruficrissa 
is evidently confined to light arid or semi-arid forest. 

These birds were common in the Tropical Zone, being seen in the 
vicinity of the Rio Cogollo, at the mouth of the Rio Guachi, and at 
Lagunillas. They were rather shy and secretive, seeming to lack the 



32 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. XII. 

curiosity of most of the guans. Whenever danger threatened, the 
guacharacas would slip off through the trees, or sit quietly in some 
dense growth where it was almost impossible to make them out. 
Local name, Guacharaca. 

Aburria aburri Lesson. 

La Azulita, i. 

This bird was seen only near La Azulita, but at La Carbonera near 
the Paramo Tambor, the natives spoke of its being known in that 
vicinity. Its range probably lies between 2000 and 6000 feet. It was 
not reported by the natives at St. Helena, near the foot of the moun- 
tains, although the airline distance from there to La Azulita is probably 
not over ten miles. We find no previous record of its occurrence in 
Venezuela. 

It was said to be very abundant near La Azulita at certain times 
of the year when special fruits ripen. From our brief observation and 
also from what could be gathered from native hunters, it appears 
that this bird is more or less nocturnal. On two different mornings 
we heard its call several hours before sunrise. The specimen taken was 
found in a tree about ten-thirty one morning and gave every evidence 
of being sound asleep. It is said to build its nest in trees. 

Local name, Guali. 

Colinus (Eupsychortyx) cristatus Linnaeus. 

Maracaibo, 2 ; Altagracia, 2 ; Rio Aurare, 5 ; Rio Cogollo, 3 ; 
Valera, 2. 

These quail were abundant in suitable localities from sea level to 
6000 feet. They were found throughout the arid region around Mara- 
caibo, in the open arid forest, on the savannas around the Rio Cogollo, 
and in the coffee, sugar cane and corn fields at higher altitudes. Their 
habits and notes were very similar to those of our common Bob White 
(Colinus virginianus) , but in the more uninhabited regions where little 
disturbed, they showed a tendency to tree when flushed. 

The two specimens from Valera are intermediate between Colinus 
c. cristatus and Colinus c. horvathi. In the color of their upperparts 
they are nearer horvathi while on the underparts they resemble cristatus. 
In the valley of the Rio Motatan above Valera they were noted up to 
an altitude of 6000 ft., but this region is separated from the Chama 
valley, where horvathi is found, by very high mountains, so complete 
continuity of range is not probable. 

Local name, Perdi2. 



Aug. 1922. Game Birds — Osgood & Conover. 33 

Colinus (Eupsychortyx) cristatus horvathi Von Madarasz. 

Rio Chama, 4; Merida, I. 

Our specimens from the Rio Chama are much lighter on the under- 
pays than the birds from the vicinity of Maracaibo. Their backs are 
much grayer with less rufescent tinge and their bills are much heavier. 
Two females have the throats bufTy white, heavily spotted with black. 
However, one female of cristatus from Rio Cogollo has the throat 
brown conspicuously streaked with black. 

In the vicinity of Merida these quail were found to inhabit the grassy 
lower slopes of the mountains, coming down to the corn and sugar 
cane fields to feed. On being disturbed they would immediately make 
for the hillsides. 

Local name, Perdiz. 

Chloroenas rufina pallidicrissa Chubb. 

Rio Cogollo, 2 ; Encontrados, 2 ; Rio Aurare, I . 

This bird was common at the mouth of the Rio Guachi, and at 
Lagunillas, as well as on the Rio Cogollo. It was not seen in the 
mountains and seems to be a bird of the Tropical Zone. It frequents 
semi-wooded country, never being found in the heavy forest. On the 
Rio Cogollo it lived about the edges of the savanna. At Lagunillas it 
was found about clearings and was seen several times flying across 
the lake just a few feet above the water. The lake there was over 
a mile and a half wide, but even when taking an extended flight this 
pigeon seems not to prefer to rise high in the air. In the evenings 
it gathers in certain trees to roost at which time its calls are heard, 
but it is never very noisy. 

The two specimens collected appear to be nearer C. r. pallidicrissa 
than C. r. rufina, but might fairly be called intermediate between 
the two. 

Chloroenas albilinea Bonaparte. 

Rio Mucujon, 3 ; Paramo Tambor, 3. 

These pigeons were found in the Andes at elevations from 7000 
to 10,000 feet. In suitable localities they were common, but rather shy. 
Food has a great deal to do with their abundance, and they are prob- 
ably partially migratory in their search for it. Although arboreal and 
spending most of their time in the heavy forest they come into the 
clearings to feed. Near the Rio Mucujon they were found feeding in 
a brushy pasture on a species of berry and, from what the native hun- 



34 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. XII. 

ters said, they are very fond of wheat which they obtain in the stubble 
fields and about the threshing sheds. 

On the Paramo Tambor they were even more plentiful than at the 
Rio Mucujon. Here where large clearings had been burnt off, high 
stubs^ were left scattered around and the ground was covered with a 
bush similar to our pokeweed. The torcazas would alight on these 
stubs to ascertain that no danger lurked before flying to the ground 
to feed on the seeds of this weed. 

On April 14, at the Paramo Tambor an immature female was shot, 
so they must be nesting in that vicinity in March. This specimen is 
about a quarter smaller than the mature birds, has no sign of the 
white nape, and shows very little metallic greenish on the hind neck. 
The underparts are dark gray, the feathers being tipped with russet 
brown, which becomes darker on the chest. 

Local name, Torcaza. 

Oenoenas plumbea propinqua Cory. 
La Azulita, 1. 

The one specimen obtained agrees with the type of 0. p. propinqua 
from Peru in the color of the head and neck, but the tail is less pur- 
plish. In size it also agrees, the wing measuring 182. We find no 
records of the occurrence of any form of plumbea in Venezuela. This 
specimen therefore may extend the known range of the species. 

Around La Azulita these pigeons were very common. They are 
strictly arboreal, spending all their time in the higher trees of the 
heavy forest. During the morning from sunrise until about ten, and 
in the afternoon from about four until dark the woods were ringing 
with the cooing of these pigeons. They were very difficult to see 
among the leaves, as on the slighest noise from the ground, the birds 
would stop calling and remain motionless. Time after time birds were 
heard, but before one got within range the calling would cease, and 
no amount of watching would locate them. It was exasperating to 
spend fifteen minutes under a tree and not be able to see any sign 
of life, only to have the calling commence as soon as you were a few 
hundred yards away. These pigeons probably secure all their food in 
the trees, never coming to the ground. The noise of particles of fruit 
or seeds dropped by feeding birds was frequently heard. 

Oenoenas subvinacea zuliae Cory. 

Paramo Tambor, 4; La Azulita, 1 ; Orope, 1 (Type). 

Found in the valley of the Rio Guachi from 3000 feet to 7000 feet. 



Aug. 1922. Game Birds — Osgood & Conover. 35 

The five specimens taken were compared with the type of O. ^. zuliae 
and show no difference. One specimen, a female, taken at the Paramo 
Tambor on April 19th, appears to be an immature bird, having rusty 
tips to the flank feathers, and a wing measuring only 153 mm. 

At the Paramo Tambor these pigeons had somewhat the same 
habits as Zenaida ruficauda ruficauda. They were never seen feeding 
in the open fields like Zenaida, but were found in small patches of 
bushes and trees in the clearings and along the bushy edges of the 
woods. They were not shy. At La Azulita only two birds of this 
species were seen. These were found sitting in some low trees in the 
woods. In this same district O. plumbea propinqua was very common, 
but had entirely different habits, living wholly in the tops of the high- 
est trees. 

Local name, Lloma. 

Zenaida ruficauda ruficauda Bonaparte. 

Paramo Tambor, 5 ; La Azulita, 1 . 

The large size of these specimens (wing, 142-151) has sufficed for 
their reference to this form which Chapman (Disf. Bird Life Col., p. 
207) has determined as the temperate zone form of Colombia. They 
were found in cleared or unforested regions feeding in cleared fields 
or natural savannas and resting in small patches of brush. On the Para- 
mo Tambor their favorite resort was a field of cultivated peas where 
they were found feeding daily. Specimens were taken from 3000 ft. ele- 
vation to 7000 ft. At the head of the Chama Valley near Mucuchies 
several birds were seen at an elevation of 10,000 ft. Their occurrence 
at La Azulita and Paramo Tambor, which are in naturally forested 
regions, is probably due to extensive artificial clearings. 

Zenaida ruficauda vinaceo-rufa Ridgway. 

Rio Cogollo, 2. 

This form, described from Curacao and known from other islands 
off the northern coast of Venezuela, doubtless inhabits much of the 
adjacent mainland. We failed to see it in the vicinity of Maracaibo, 
however, and found it only on the open savannas near the Rio Cogollo. 
If any constant difference exists between island and mainland birds it 
is not sufficiently evident in our specimens to warrant separation. A 
male differs from males from Curacao in being slightly darker on 
the back and paler on the breast. A female has the underparts darker 
than in topotypical females. No comparison has been made with Z. r. 
robinsoni of the Magdalena Valley. 



36 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. XII. 

Ridgway (Birds N. and Mid. Am., VII, p. 371) includes Merida 
within the range of this form, perhaps on the basis of specimens from 
the arid tropical pocket near Ejido in the Chama Valley, where it is 
not improbable it may occur, although, if so, it is a case of discontinu- 
ous range. While crossing this part of the valley, we saw several 
birds of this genus but no specimens were obtained. At higher eleva- 
tions near Merida, another form (Z. r. ruficauda) is found. 
Local name, Sabanera. 

Scardafella ridgwayi Richmond. 

Altagracia, 2; Maracaibo, 5; Rio Aurare, 2_; Encontrados, 1. 

This dove was seen only in the vicinity of the city of Maracaibo 
and directly across the lake at Altagraica, but in both places it was 
exceedingly abundant. In the city of Maracaibo it was commonly 
seen in the parks, where it appeared to have little fear of people. It 
seems to inhabit the same country, and have about the same habits as 
Chaemepelia p. albivitta, although Scardafella undoubtedly is more ar- 
boreal. Arid, more or less open country is what it likes, for in the 
region about the Rio Cogollo only 60 miles from Maracaibo it was not 
seen even in the savannas. 

Chaemepelia passerina albivitta Bonaparte. 
Altagracia, 3; Rio Chama, 1. 

Very common on both sides of the lake near the city of Maracaibo. 
It was not seen along the Rio Cogollo but seemed to stay more in the 
open sandy country along the coast. In this vicinity in February it 
was generally in small flocks. Near Merida only one bird of this 
species was seen. It was secured but does not seem to be different 
from the coast form. 

Chaemepelia rufipennis Bonaparte. 

Rio Cogollo, 5; Rio Guachi, 1; Rio Chama, 7; Encontrados, 8; 
Orope, 2 ; Colon, Tachira, 5 ; Rio Aurare, 2. 

This small dove was very numerous about the Rio Cogollo on the 
edge of the savanna and about openings or clearings in the semi-arid 
woods. It was seen also at Lagunillas in some numbers. Near the 
Rio Chama, just below Merida, it was numerous. In one field of corn 
stubble a large flock was seen every day feeding on small weed seeds. 

Claravis pretiosa Ferrari-Perez. 

Rio Cogollo, 2; La Ceiba, 1 ; El Guayabal, Colombia, 1. 



Aug. 1922. Game Birds — Osgood & Conover. 37 

A partly terrestrial dove found in the semi-arid tropical forest. It 
was seen only occasionally near the Rio Cogollo and never in flocks. 
At a water hole near Lagunillas large numbers came with other doves 
to drink. A female specimen, otherwise normal, has the outermost 
primary only very slightly attenuated. Comparison with others seems 
to indicate that this is a character of immaturity. 

Leptotila verreauxi Bonaparte. 

Altagracia, 1 ; Lagunillas, 1 ; Rio Cogollo, 4 ; Valera, 2 ; Rio Chama, 
1 ; Encontrados, 4 ; Rio Aurare, 1 . 

This ground pigeon was found from sea level up to 6000 feet along 
river valleys. It was very common in the semi-arid forests about the 
Rio Cogollo and Lagunillas. Late in the morning it would sit in the 
trees and call, but was difficult to locate. Nests and eggs were found 
near here Feb. 18. The nests were similar to those of the Mourning 
Dove. On the Rio Chama near Merida it was found generally in the 
coffee plantations. It was very shy, flushing quietly, just skimming 
the tops of the coffee bushes, alighting again within a hundred yards, 
and then running. It was found also in standing corn, but was never 
seen in corn stubbles. It evidently prefers cover and is shy of the 
open, although spending much time on the ground. 

Local names, Rabiblanca and Llorona. 

Leptotila rufaxilla Richard & Bernard. 

St. Helena, Rio Guachi, 1 ; Orope, 2. 

Found in the humid forest and adjoining clearings where it was 
often heard but seldom seen. It would sit cooing in some dense thicket 
out of which it would quietly slip when an attempt was made to enter. 
On the upper Rio Guachi (7000 ft.) Leptotila were seen which perhaps 
belonged to this species. 

Oreopeleia violacea Temminck & Knip. 

La Azulita, 1. 

On April 25th a male was shot from its nest, which was placed 
about seven feet above the ground in a small bush, near a trail in the 
dense woods. The nest contained two fresh eggs of a light buff color. 

This bird agrees closely with a specimen from the Paria Peninsula, 
Venezuela, kindly lent us by Dr. Chapman. 

Oreopeleia montana Linnaeus. 
La Azulita, 3. 
Three specimens of this quail dove were taken, two females and 



38 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. XII. 

an immature male. Compared with measurements given by Ridgway 
in his " Birds of North and Middle America," these specimens average 
small, the wings of the two females being 126-131 and the male 130. 
The species was only found near La Azulita at an elevation of about 
3200 ft. It inhabited the dense woods, and was very shy. The imma- 
ture male, which appeared just to have left the nest, was killed April 
22nd. The habits are about the same as those of the large quail dove 
Oreopeleia linearis of the temperate forest. 

Oreopeleia linearis Provost & Knip. 

Rio Mucujon, 4; Sierra de Merida, 1 ; Paramo Tambor, 1 ; Paramo 
de Tama, 1. 

We must agree with Chapman in not considering venezuelensis a. 
valid subspecies, as three of our specimens certainly could not be said 
to have the gray of the head restricted to the sides, and two of these 
birds were taken within twenty-five miles of Merida, the type locality 
of venezuelensis. 

These quail doves live in the dense woods, where they can be heard 
cooing morning and evening. They breed in March and April and 
the males at that time seem very pugnacious. Some of the natives are 
very expert at calling them, but they are so shy that if they see the 
least movement, or hear any unusual noise, they will slip quickly 
away. In one instance, a bird, coming to the call, was seen about 
twenty yards off strutting and circling about exactly in the manner 
of a domestic pigeon when courting its mate. When calling, the cocks 
generally sit in a low tree or bush, but they will also answer from the 
ground when coming to an imitation. Although no hens were shot, 
an experience we had seems to indicate that they are more or less 
silent when coming to the call of the male. We had stopped at a fav- 
orite place one morning and the native had been calling for some time 
without receiving an answer. Suddenly, a bird came into sight not 
fifteen feet away. It was walking quietly, but seeing us quickly flushed. 
This was the only time a bird came to the call silently, so we assumed 
it to be a female. 

On April 10, a nest of this pigeon was found in the crotch of a 
good sized tree about 20 feet from the ground. It was made of twigs 
and contained fresh eggs. A day and a half was spent in trying to 
secure the bird, but she would not return while anyone was near the 
nest. On the second morning when flushed again from the nest she 
must have deserted it, since the eggs were found to be quite cold, late 
that afternoon. 



Aug. 1922. Game Birds — Osgood & Conover. 39 

All the specimens obtained were males. 
Local names, Montagnera, paloma colorada. 

Pardirallus maculatus Boddaert. 

Lagunillas, State of Merida, 1. 

One specimen in Field Museum collection purchased from Briceno 
Gabaldon, Merida. 

Aramides cajanea M tiller. 

Rio Guachi, 2; Encontrados, 1; Empalado Savanna, 1. 

Until such time as a comprehensive study can be made of geo- 
graphic variation in this species, it seems advisable to refer these speci- 
mens to the typical form. They agree closely with specimens from 
Guiana and seem to indicate that the validity of A. c. venezuelensis 
(Cory, Field Mus. Pubs., Ornith. Ser., Vol. 1, p. 296, Feb. 23, 1915) 
may be open to question. The type of venezuelensis, taken in Febru- 
ary, is in rather worn plumage and paler than our May specimens from 
Rio Guachi, which are in fresh plumage and only slightly, if at all, 
paler than Guiana material. In these specimens, also, the brownish 
color of the occiput does not extend forward more than in Guiana 
specimens. With larger series, it may be found that the Venezuela 
bird averages slightly paler on the underparts than typical cajanea, 
but as judged by available material, absolute identity of the birds from 
the two regions seems just as probable. Chapman (Dist. Bird Life 
in Col., p. 217, 1917) has noted slight color variations in wood rails 
from Colombia and it is evident that further work on the group would 
be desirable. 

The first specimen taken was shot May 2 from its nest which was 
situated in a tussock of mixed growth at the edge of the river bank 
in heavy forest. So close to the water was the nest that the canoe 
in passing almost touched it and one of the paddlers standing in the 
stern distinguished the incubating bird which at a greater distance 
would scarcely have been detected. The nest contained five eggs very 
heavily incubated. The second specimen, taken May 3, was a female 
also, and contained large eggs without shells. Near the mouth of Rio 
Guachi several other wood rails were seen in mangroves and other 
overhanging vegetation at the water's edge. They were very shy, 
never appearing in the open, but skulking about among roots and low 
bushes. 

Local name, Caracolera. 



40 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. XII. 

Porzana Carolina Linnaeus. 

Rio Aurare, i (Jan. 25) ; Merida, 2 (Oct. 28-29) ; Culata, 2 (Nov. 
2-11). 

Five specimens in Field Museum collected from October to January 
seem to indicate that the species is a winter resident in the region. 

Porzana albicollis Vieillot. 

Catatumbo River (near Encontrados), 1. 

One specimen in Field Museum collected by H. F. Raven. 

Neocrex erythrops Sclater. 

Valle, Rio Mucujon, near Merida, 1. 

One specimen in Field Museum purchased from Briceno Gabaldon. 

Gallinula chloropus galeata Lichtenstein. 
Lagunillas, 1 ; Rio Aurare, 1. 

The name galeata applies to the gallinule of southern Brazil, while 
the bird from the Cauca Valley, Colombia, said to have a shorter wing, 
has been separated under the name Gallinula chloropus pauxilla (Bangs, 
Proc. N. E. Zool. Club, V, p. 96, 1915). On geographic grounds, 
therefore, our bird might be expected to agree with pauxilla, but as 
judged by wing measurements alone, such is not the case. Its wing 
measures 179 mm. in length and even exceeds Brazilian birds for which 
Bangs gives measurements of two specimens as 172 mm. and 174 mm., 
respectively. Moreover, a series of eleven specimens in the Field 
Museum taken at Lake Valencia, Venezuela shows a variation in wing 
length from 150 mm. to 183 mm., this wide range apparently being 
due to the fact that many are worn birds with frayed or partly moulted 
primaries. Our bird is in fresh plumage with perfect flight feathers. 
We have not seen the type series of pauxilla, nor Brazilian specimens 
of galeata, but it is evident that whatever may be the case with Colom- 
bian birds, the Venezuelan specimens above referred to cannot be 
separated from galeata on the basis of wing length. 

This gallinule was common on the laguna at Lagunillas. Together 
with Ionornis martinicus, it was found feeding in flocks on the water 
plants floating on the surface. The birds seemed little afraid of a boat, 
running off to one side and commencing to feed again as soon as we 
had passed. 

Local name, Gallineta. 



Aug. 1922. Game Birds — Osgood & Conover. 41 

Ionornis martinicus Linnaeus. 

Lagunillas, 1. 

A very common bird on the cienega at Lagunillas, where it outnum- 
bered Gallinula choropus galeata about two to one. Wherever there 
were water plants floating on the surface, one was sure to see a number 
of these birds. Sometimes they were single, and again twenty or 
thirty birds, mixed Ionornis and Gallinula, would be seen scattered 
over a patch of water weeds. Birds in every stage of the immature 
plumage were seen. At this time, May 9th and 10th, nests were found 
which, from the appearance of the eggs, seemed to belong to this species 
and not to Gallinula. The nests were woven of rushes, about ten inches 
in diameter, and placed some two feet above the water among the stems 
of live rushes. 

Fulica caribaea Ridgway. 
Lagunillas, 1. 

The one specimen obtained is certainly not F. americana, but agrees 
with Ridgway's description of F. caribaea. It has a large elliptical 
frontal shield 18.5 mm. long and 11.5 mm. wide, which was white in 
life, but in the dried skin is pale brownish and much wrinkled. Com- 
parison of this bird with West Indian specimens of F. caribaea in 
the Field Museum shows it to have a heavier bill, and larger feet. 
This is the first record of F. caribaea from the mainland, and it is 
possible that it will prove to represent a local race, but, with only one 
specimen, we hesitate to describe it as such. It was killed from a 
flock of about seven birds on the cienega of Lagunillas. The birds were 
not wild, and had the same habits as the American Coot. 

Local name, Pica plata. 

Belanopterus cayennensis Gmelin. 

Rio Cogollo, 2 ; Catatumbo, 1 . 

Found in numbers on the savannas near the Rio Cogollo. They did 
not seem to be partial to water, but were found mostly on the open 
grassy savannas. Their habits were very similar to those of our 
common Killdeer Plover. They are very noisy birds. 

Himantopus mexicanus Miiller. 
Lagunillas, 1. 
On May 9th a pair was seen and on May 10th three more. 



42 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. XII. 

Neoglottis flavipes Gmelin. 

No specimens were taken, but the species was common about Alta- 
gracia in February. Several birds were seen also along the edge of 
a cienega near the Rio Cogollo. 

Tringa solitaria Wilson. 

Common in the vicinity of Altagracia the first part of February. 
In March one bird was seen by a small pond at an elevation of 12,000 
ft. in the Culata Mountains. 

Actitis macularia Linnaeus. 

Seen in the vicinity of Altagracia February 10. 

Ereunetes pusillus Linnaeus. 
Lagunillas, 1. 

A small flock of mixed E. pusillus and P. fuscicollis was seen May 
10th. 

Tryngites subruficollis Vieillot. 

Lagunillas, 2. 

Three Buff-breasted Sandpipers were found on the edge of the 
cienega at Lagunillas May 10th. The species was familiar to the 
natives, who called it Patocito amarillo. 

Pisobia minutilla Vieillot. 

Rio Cogollo, 1. 

Common in suitable localities in the Tropical zone during the end 
of February and the first part of March. 

Pisobia fuscicollis Vieillot. 

Lagunillas, 1. 

A mixed flock of P. fuscicollis and E. pusillus was seen at Lagunil- 
las May 10th. Like other sandpipers, it is known locally as Patocito 
(little duck). 

Gallinago delicata Ord. 

Rio Cogollo, 2; Encontrados, 2; Colon, Tachira, 1. 

Fairly abundant about marshy places near the Rio Cogollo during 
the last of February and first few days in March. 



Aug. 1922. Game Birds — Osgood & Conover. 43 

Gallinago nobilis Sclater. 

Paramo de Tama, 4. 

The only snipe seen in the Merida region was observed, but not 
secured, at Paramo Tambor April 15, and may have been of this 
species. Four specimens in Field Museum were taken Mch. 2-5, 1910 
in an open grassy swamp at an elevation of about 7000 ft., on Paramo 
de Tama. 

Jacana nigra Gmelin. 

Rio Cogollo, 2 ; Catatumbo, 2 ; Maracaibo, 1 ; Encontrados, 4 ; Rio 
Aurare, 1. ■ 

All specimens from the Maracaibo region are in the maroon-backed 
phase called by Sclater /. melanopygia, but which Ridgway (Bull. U. 
S. Nat. Mus. No. 50, pt. VII, p. 16) considers a color phase of /. nigra. 

Jacanas were common around a small cienega near the Rio Cogollo, 
and at Lagunillas, where they fairly swarmed. It seems significant 
that no birds of the black-backed phase were noted, although no special 
watch was kept for them. 

Oedicnemus bistriatus vocifer L'Herminier. 

Rio Cogollo, 2. 

Seen only on the savannas near the Rio Cogollo where they were 
found in pairs scattered over the open country. During the heat of 
the day, they sought the shade of some low tree. In the city of Mara- 
caibo these birds are often kept as pets around the houses or in the 
stores because of their usefulness in keeping down cockroaches and 
such vermin. In the house next to the one in which we had our head- 
quarters in Maracaibo, was one of these birds. Morning and evening 
its weird cry could be heard consisting of a succession of short sharp 
notes, starting slowly and gradually decreasing the intervals until they 
could not be distinguished. It sounded like a very fair imitation of 
the exhaust of a motor boat, beginning slowly and gradually increas- 
ing in speed. 

The two specimens were taken on February 16, the female contain- 
ing very large eggs without shells. 

Local name, Alcaraban. 

Aramus scolopaceus Gmelin. 
Lagunillas, 1 ; Catatumbo, 2. 
This species was first seen at the mouth of the Rio Guachi, where 



44 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. XII. 

it inhabited the bushes along the river bank. It was rather shy. At 
Lagunillas a number were seen, and while common they could not be 
called plentiful. They were seen out on the marsh feeding on the mud 
flats, and also among the bushes bordering the canal which connects 
the cienega of Lagunillas with Lake Maracaibo. 
Local name, Carao. 

Chauna chavaria Linnaeus. 
Encontrados, 4. 

No specimens of this species were preserved, but it was very plen- 
tiful about the cienega of Lagunillas. Here it could be seen in pairs 
and flocks of ten or more scattered over the marsh. It was breeding 
during the first part of May, several nests being found containing 
from two to seven soiled white eggs. The nests were simply large 
masses of rushes built up from the water and hidden back in the 
marsh grass. 

Local name, Chicaguiri. 

Palamedea cornuta Linnaeus. 

This bird was not seen by us, but the natives at Lagunillas spoke 
of a second species of screamer, which was to be found around the 
edges of the cienega. A number of specimens are in the Field Museum 
from the lower Catatumbo River where the species was observed to 
be very abundant in 1910. 

Local name, Canute 0. 

Cairina moschata Linnaeus. 
Lagunillas, 1. 

Seen at Lagunillas and at the mouth of the Rio Guachi. In the 
former locality it was very plentiful. On the cienega of Lagunillas 
during the first part of May, the Muscovies appeared to be nesting. 
Very few females were seen and on one occasion when a hen was 
killed the drake that accompanied her was very loath to leave. These 
ducks did not frequent the larger stretches of open water, but spent 
their time in the small pot holes back in the grass. Their habits in 
this respect were very similar to those of mallards, and very fine sport 
was to be obtained by jumping them from the grass. In spite of their 
large size, they were very adept at sneaking, more than one cripple 
being lost in the thick grass. 

Native names, Pato, Pato Real. 



Aug. 1922. Game Birds — Osgood & Conover. 45 

Dendrocygna viduata Linnaeus. 

Merida, 1. 

No wild birds were found, but in the vicinity of Merida, where 
several captives were seen, the natives say this species appears in 
large numbers during May. It must be food which attracts them, as no 
water except in swift mountain streams is to be found in that vicinity 
nearer than about thirty-five miles. At Lagunillas, the natives spoke 
of these birds being found, and described them accurately. However, 
at the beginning of May, they appeared to have left as none were seen. 

Local name, Guaridi. 

Dendrocygna bicolor Vieillot. 

Lagunillas (Zulia), 1; Rio Aurare, 1. 

In his "Distribution and Migration of North American Ducks, Geese 
and Swans," Cooke says of this duck "questionable records appear 
from Venezuela and the Island of Trinidad." Also, in the last A.O.U. 
check-list, the South American range of D. bicolor is given as southern 
Uruguay and Argentina. It seems well, therefore, to call attention to 
the fact that the range of this duck also includes northern South 
America. Chapman (Distribution of Bird-Life in Colombia) found 
it more or less common in the Tropical zone of Colombia, and there 
is a specimen from British Guiana in the Field Museum. 

During our two day stay at Lagunillas in the first part of May, 
D. bicolor was found to be rather common on the large cienega. Hun- 
dreds of tree ducks were seen, about one in twenty of which were the 
Fulvous, the remainder Gray-breasted. Each species flocked by itself, 
although having similar habits, but D. bicolor was much the shyer 
bird. This duck was easily distinguishable by its light rump and was 
well known to the native hunters. 

Local names, Llaguasa colorada, Alazana. 

Dendrocygna discolor Sclater & Salvin, 

Rio Cogollo, 6. 

First seen on a small cienega near the Rio Cogollo. Here a flock 
of about thirty were found, the birds refusing to leave even after 
being much disturbed. At this time of year (the end of February) 
about half were in the immature plumage, having pale breasts and dark 
bills and feet. On the large cienega at Lagunillas there were thousands 
of tree ducks, about ninety-five per cent of which were D. discolor, 
the remainder D. bicolor. While not allowing a close approach when 



46 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. XII. 

resting on the water, these ducks when flying seemed to have little fear 
of a boat, often swinging by within easy gun shot. This is probably 
due to the fact that native hunters rarely waste powder on flying birds. 
At the time of our visit here, May 9-10, all the tree ducks appeared to be 
in mature plumage. While flying they keep up an incessant whistling. 
Local names, Llaguasa, Pisisi. 

Nettion andium Sclater & Salvin. 
Culata Mts., 4. 

Eight of these ducks were seen on two small lakes on the Paramo 
San Antonio of the Culata Mountains, at an elevation of 12,200 and 
12,300 feet, respectively. A flock of six were so tame, and appeared 
so loath to fly that at first they were thought to be young birds that had 
not yet gained the use of their wings. In fact, two of them could not 
be forced into the air, but sneaked under some bushes overhanging 
the water, where all efforts to dislodge them proved futile. These 
mountain lakes contained very little vegetation, and dropped off into 
deep water within a foot or so of shore. One would scarcely expect to 
find shoal water ducks in such places and it appears that these teal must 
obtain their food along the banks. According to the natives they breed 
on the paramo in August. 

Querquedula discors Linnaeus. 

Rio Cogollo, 1. 

On the first of March a flock of about twenty Blue-winged Teal 
was seen on a small cienega near the Rio Cogollo. They were very 
wild, leaving the locality at the first shot, although a flock of Dendrocygna 
discolor remained after much shooting. Later, while in Merida, we 
were shown about ten live Q. discors, which had been trapped on a 
small pond near the edge of the town. The owner stated that these 
teal were found in that vicinity every winter, which seems peculiar, as 
the country is not suited to waterfowl, its only water being a swift 
mountain stream, and perhaps one or two artificial ponds. 

Marila nationi Sclater & Salvin. 

Lagunillas, Zulia, 3. 

This species, originally described from Lima, Peru, was recently 
rediscovered by Chapman in Colombia where it was found to be 
common in the marshes of the Cauca Valley near Cali. It is interesting, 
therefore, to record it from the Maracaibo region at tide level. Com- 
parison with specimens kindly loaned by the American Museum of 



Aug. 1922. Game Birds — Osgood & Conover. 47 

Natural History shows the Colombian and Venezuelan birds to be 
identical. Hence the species is not confined to the Pacific coast and 
comparison with fresh Peruvian material would be desirable. 

These ducks were fairly common on the large cienega at Lagunillas. 
At the time of our stay during the first part of May, only single birds 
were seen, no flocks being encountered. These single birds, however, 
did not associate with the masked ducks or tree ducks which were very 
numerous, but kept by themselves in the more open stretches of the 
marsh. No females were taken or seen which probably means that 
at this season the birds were nesting. 

Nomonyx dominicus Linnaeus. 

Rio Cogollo, 2. 

The masked duck was first seen on a small cienega at the edge of 
the savanna near Rio Cogollo. Here on March 1st, two males in the 
immature plumage were taken. These birds were very tame, allowing 
one to approach within about fifteen yards. 

Later at Lagunillas in the early part of May, these ducks were very 
plentiful, occurring in flocks of ten to twenty. They spent their time 
in the open patches of water among the lily pads, but would not allow 
a boat to approach closer than about fifty yards before flying off a 
short way and again alighting. A few males were seen in full plumage 
but about nineteen out of twenty birds were in the hen plumage. Next 
to Dendrocygna discolor this was the most common duck on the large 
cienega at Lagunillas. 

Local names, Patocito, Buza. 

Merganetta Columbiana Des Murs. 

Laguna de Pan de Azucar, 1 ; Rio Alba, 1. 

Indefinite reports of the Torrent Duck were received from natives, 
but the bird itself was not observed although many suitable localities 
for it were visited. Its occurrence in the region is attested by two 
specimens now in the Conover collection, obtained through W. F. H. 
Rosenberg and collected by natives for Bricefio Gabaldon and Sons. 



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